Successful Operation to Capture and Treat Injured Otter

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The Otter Network was last year involved in an operation to rescue an otter in the North East that had become entangled in fishing line that was wrapped tightly around its body.

Otters with injuries such as this are not often seen due to the secretive nature of the species and live-trapping them is rarely attempted due to their wide-ranging habits, their extreme dislike of confinement and reluctance to take dead fish offered as bait.

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After confirming the location of the animal with a trail camera, the RSPCA deployed a specialist otter trap close by - but left it unarmed with bait inside to make sure that the otter would go into it (otters do not generally like to enter enclosed spaces). The trail camera was repositioned to monitor the open trap and that night the otter came and entered the trap to take the bait.

The trap was then set and more fish bait left inside for the following night.  The otter went in and set off the trap. The RSPCA then took her straight to the vet where she was anaesthetised, and the fishing line removed.

It had left a deep and serious wound so unfortunately she could not be released straight back into the wild. She was taken to the RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Stapeley Grange, Nantwich where she remained for two weeks.

Then on the 17th March 2021 the RSPCA and Vets4Pets brought her back to the north east and she was released back into her home territory.

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We were delighted to be able to play a part in helping this poor animal and the whole operation was a fantastic example of cooperation between organisations – so huge thanks go out to the RSPCA, UKWOT, IOSF, Vets4Pets and both South and North Tyneside Councils for their part in the rescue.

It is also important to mention all the concerned members of the public from both sides of the Tyne who helped by reporting sightings, monitoring trail cameras and sending in photos.